"[Bryant] has all kinds of accolades, all kinds of praise going, but he's still working hard every day," Horry said. "It makes you want to work hard. That's what guys realize when they come to the Lakers organization."

Bryant and Horry won three rings together with the Lakers (2000-02) but the former teammates didn't always see eye to eye. Bryant's intensity in practice and even in games could be a little much for a seasoned veteran like Horry.

The seven-time champion recalled a game early in their partnership when Bryant kept demanding the ball, but Horry stuck instead to the triangle offense.

During a timeout, Bryant said, "I'm hot," and pressed Horry on why he was ignoring his requests.

Bryant went on to speak for an hour with Kimmel. The event was held at Nokia Theatre, produced by Sports Spectacular and the Kobe & Vanessa Bryant Foundation, with proceeds to help fight homelessness.

"The Laker brand and name itself is fantastic," Horry said. "When you have a guy like Kobe Bryant in that brand also, it takes it out of this world. I think the fact that everybody sees the work ethic this guy has makes them work harder."

Horry also noted that he's still the most hated man in Sacramento, even years after his Game 4 buzzer-beating shot in 2002 against the Kings that helped propel the Lakers to their third straight title.